The current MOUNTING ranking is...
Why?
Rumi-san
Konatsu-san
I'm Fassbender? McCartney Japan
Global Consulting Division's department head, Osawa Rumi
Fassbender?
That giant American company?
What is going on here?
We, Fassbender?McCartney Japan, acquired Junkyo Inc.
Hereafter, the fashion editorial department
will be reorganized and reduced.
Reorganized?
Reduced?
After this you will abide to everything I say.
What about Konatsu-san?
Yamaki is my hired assistant.
Well then, cut to the country predicted to win the world cup please.
Nah, this time that's considerably difficult.
No, so this is more difficult then that!
Henceforth, you will abide to our management policies.
First, the future of the magazine will aim to be entirely digital.
I think that every magazine is already doing that.
Rumi-san, you too should know...
Yamaki
In that roundabout way of speaking, she won't understand.
I beg your pardon.
As for the embodiment of digitization
every editorial department requires streamlining.
Streamlining?
Every department will cut one third of their editorial staff,
reducing the number of employees in the whole company.
That's downsizing...
Editor-in-chief Yoshinari
we need you to submit the list of cut staff ASAP
ASAP, you say...
That's not something easily...
Frankly speaking
the magazine will cease publication.
And everyone would lose their jobs.
You are lucky that you can still exist like this.
Junkyo Inc. was acquired?
And what's more, it seems that company
Rumi-san and Konatsu-san are working for them.
Why?
They're double crossing?
Isn't that messed up?
What about China-chan?
How's she doing alone?
Editor-in-chief Yoshinari.
Yes?
Tomorrow's advertising meeting will go as planned?
Yes, if you please.
Donna Donna Donna load the calf
Editor-in-chief Yoshinari
A moment.
Uh, sure.
Donna Donna Donna going off for sale
Production cost 3,500,000 yen?
Please produce the next issue with that.
That's under half of general production cost...
There's no way it can be done with that.
That's the only idea we can go with.
Idea?
We aim to close all poor selling magazines.
We will be integrating fashion magazines into one.
One magazine?
We are fine with letting you be the editor-in-chief of that magazine.
We at Fassbender?McCartney Japan will welcome you as a member.
Headhunting.
That means there is still a path to save only yourself.
That's great isn't it.
Lucky girl.
That is vicious.
Vicious?
You're the only one I don't want to hear that from.
Thank you for your work, new magazine editor-in-chief.
You dragged me down didn't you?
Using the old president.
You also did some pretty visious things
and climbed to the position you are at now.
Everyone is the same.
Lowering the production budget by half...
That sounds really severe.
It really is.
Ah, speaking of that. Itsuki-kun you quit being a camera assistant?
Uh, yes.
I have to help out with the family business.
What's the family business?
uh just a normal business.
What company?
Daito paper company.
Daito paper company!?
Itsuki-kun you're?
You're a damn heir?
Please stop it with the 'heir' stuff.
My dad suddenly passed away and my brother will succed but
he said there were lots difficult things so I should help out.
No, go for it! Do it! Do it!
I am supporting you.
If you like, when you need a secretary.
Don't forget me, Kimura Shirayuki.
For now I don't need one.
So how long will you be at the current job?
End of this month.
That so?
Here are the editorial departments' downsizing list.
FIRST CLASS's?
Not yet.
A sight to be seen, what that girl is going to do.
You don't have to over think it.
Yes, I'm sorry.
Well, even Papa's company would be fine.
But something in mass communication would be great.
That meets the time-line. As early as possible is fine.
Ok, I'm counting on you.
What are you doing?
Oh, editor-in-chief. I'm Job searching.
You're in the middle of work.
But all departments have to downsize a third of their staff, right?
The old president is my father's golfing buddy.
I have no more connections here
so it wouldn't be strange if I got cut.
Furthermore, you're making the list right?
Which means if you don't like me, I'll be cut.
Don't like you...
I'll be fine.
Because I can go to any job I want.
I'm different from lower class, a first-rate corporation
This is the rookie brands list.
I've summarized it.
The production budget has been cut in half as well.
This, is the only thing you can do.
Is that true?
What Remie-san is saying.
It's true, right? Editor-in-chief.
What are we going to do?
It's true.
Editor-in-cheif, Yoshinari
You haven't submitted the reduced stuff list yet.
Hurry up and submit it.
Who here is going to be fired?
And then,
have you thought about the offer to work at our company?
She's saving herself.
She's the worst.
Whose head should be cut?
No way, what's with this terrible woman.
And then, the filthy Cinderella only saved herself.
Now this is a really a frightening Grimm's Fairy Tale. The end
I...
I won't cut anyone.
Enough of the lip-service.
I'll protect FIRST CLASS.
Then hurry up and fire someone!
Yamaki, don't use vulgar language.
Pardon me.
Protecting FIRST CLASS
is my job.
I can't downsize.
Huh?
Instead of downsizing
We'll sell over 250,000 issues.
250,000 issues?
Editor-in-chief Yoshinari
Even in the bubble they never sold that many.
I understand that.
Understand, you say?
What do you want to protect?
The magazine FIRST CLASS?
Or the editorial staff?
The staff are the ones that make the magazine.
If I can't protect the staff
then I can't protect FIRST CLASS.
That's enough of the lip-service.
That's fine.
In exchange for that.
If you can't achieve that then we'll cease publication.
That's fine.
Your publishing sales target
even under normal circumstances
is not an achievable number.
I understand that.
We will sell 250,000 issues for sure.
That so?
Then, I will be waiting, ready to cease publication.
Good work today.
Oh, China-chan.
You wanted to talk?
MIINA-san...
At this rate, FIRST CLASS is not going to survive.
I have to increase sales.
But...
But?
In the next issue, MIINA-san and ERENA-san
Let me put together special features for both of you.
So like another general election
which special feature was better?
You're going to take a reader survey?
Why do I have to go through this?
First place is ERENA.
MIINA-san do you always feel like this?
No one can understand my feelings.
That's right.
But, I don't feel like doing the same thing.
Not a mere popularity contest.
As a fashion model
MIINA-san or ERENA-san, who is top?
I want a fight with real meaning.
I refuse.
I don't want to do something so boring.
I see.
If we don't have an idea like, the loser retires...
Retire?
From modeling?
Correct.
At this late time, we can't do a half-ass battle.
Because I am fighting ERENA once again
risking that much is a given.
MIINA-san...
I want to expose everything about myself.
The past, being fat, being bullied
Relying on drugs to keep my body weight.
I'm fine with being bare.
If it's to win.
Thank you very much.
In the next issue we are doing a MIINA and ERENA showdown.
Another reader vote?
It is a really juicy story.
We have to sell copies.
We have to sell the next issue at any cost.
My name is Joan of Arc
Follow me into battle, she says
The budget has been cut below half.
What we could do is limited.
How it is now, we can't make a magazine normally.
But, the budget has been cut below half we won't fill it.
Only the MIINA, ERENA showdown pages won't make a magazine right?
We can't rent brand good or have a photo shoot, right?
On that budget.
What is our target sell amount?
250,000 copies.
What? 250,000?
'Set impossible goals'? Not even in theories of leadership
is such an extraordinary absolutely impossible number written.
The image of the front cover...
will be something like this.
That...
doesn't look like a cover of a fashion magazine right?
I don't think that is the image of fashion.
Forget about things like that.
Things like that?
Your concept of what fashion magazines should be like.
That's a perceived notion.
What, perceived notion?
From the start did you look at that and think it was a fashion magazine?
Did you think that?
Is it ok if FIRST CLASS ceases publication?
Is it ok if you're downsized?
If she loses
MIINA-san is going to retire.
What? No way...
Taking this plan of attack
MIINA-san is appearing in our photo shoot.
Don't you think we should be doing this editorial with that same feeling?
This has become an interesting development!
Rain or shine. I'll help with the last Kokuritsu Stadium live
Let's launch big fireworks.
Chinami-san is going with your showdown with MIINA as a gimmick.
That so.
If you lose, retirement.
It has a really strong pull.
And yet Japanese root for the underdog*
*ERENA hears hanganbiiki (root for under dog) as hang over.
Start over from temple school* English idiot.
* Old education system in Japan that taught reading and higher vocabulary.
It's different from the last vote.
It will be an intense battle.
If you don't do what's needed you won't win.
It'd be best to be prepared.
Use my father again...
Use? I didn't say that.
That is for you to decided.
You are already dead
Where is everyone?
No idea...
Could you contact them?
What's happening with the rookie brands?
Everyone divided the work into groups right?
No idea...
No idea?
Everyone went home didn't they?
What?
Of course. They started action.
If you are told you might be fired
you start thinking about what's next.
Especially since our editorial department has a lot of singles.
I think it can't be helped.
Have a good night.
Hello, this is FIRST CLASS's editor-in chief Yoshinari.
Uh.. about the next issue's special feature.
Have you been contacted by the project leader?
How is it going with FIRST CLASS?
With that budget they can't honestly make a magazine.
There is no way they will sell 250,000 issues.
The staff are reeling as well.
Is that so?
Good work today.
Have a good night.
Department head Osawa, don't tell me
that you still have feeings for FIRST CLASS.
Never...that is unthinkable.
Is that so?
There is no way that can be right.
Good night.
Fine. I leave it to you.
Yes. Thank you very much.
Well, excuse me.
Hello, FIRST CLASS editorial department.
Thank you for your continued business.
Regarding that...
Uh, Yes that's right.
Right...
As expected it's kind of lonely.
What is?
This and that...
Itsuki was cute right?
Come on...
Well...
But it's not like he is really going to part from Chinami-chan.
I guess.
It's useless.
The budget won't even cover this project.
Good evening.
Itsuki-kun.
Good evening.
That looks like a lot.
Yeah.. I guess so.
Can I help with anything?
I'm fine.
Thanks.
That reminds me about the budget cuts...
I heard.
How about having to sell 250,000 issues or be canceled?
I heard.
That so...
Shirayuki!
What are you screaming for?
Am I a ghost? Geragerapoo* huh?
*From the theme song of 'Yokai (Ghost) Watch'
What's up?
Hasn't the time come?
Has it come?
I guess it came, right?
Well, shall we go?
Hello, FIRST CLASS editorial department.
Good morning, editor-in-chief.
What's going on?
What's going on??
You have to sell 250,000, right?
Yes that's true but...
No money, so you have to use people.
This is everyone working free for the sake of FIRST CLASS.
Princess Cinderella...
We are here to assist the best we can.
We'll be in a bind if FIRST CLASS disappears and our pay decreases.
You guys...
Ok, ok!
Well shall we have an emergency meeting?
Ok!
What? Wow!
Everyone's here for the last Kokuritsu Stadium live too?
Huh?
Well, with a lot of people it'll be easier right?
Uh, he small budget this time
I am thinking of projects with reader models and rookie brands.
Uh! It's fine! It's fine!
Cause I was able to lease from Loewe and Gucci.
With this face!
As expected.
I also asked around.
Because I'm shooting, they'll do it for free.
That's amazing!
There aren't enough coats...
Editor-in-chief!
Overseas call from London.
Jun-san is sending 30 limited style coats for us.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Thank you so much for this meeting.
With this tie up
you're company's image will go up as well I think.
Certainly, we're look forward to working with you.
I gathered the reader's presents.
I landed the special feature's tie-up.
This issue's shoot might be my last one.
I will do my best so, please do me this favor.
We appreciate it.
Shall we get to it?
Yes.
Ok.
Hey, chubby! Don't come over here.
You'll make fatty sad. I want you to share that meat.
Fat, fat, tub of lard? Why are you fat~?
Alright OK. Great work.
Thank you for today.
Good job today.
Shizuka-san, Takumi-san, everyone...
Thank you for everything you've done.
It hasn't been decided that this is the end right?
That's right!
You're right.
But, this is closure to me.
Really, thank you very much.
Oh, did the shoot run over?
No, I'll change right away.
MIINA-san, I'm so sorry for intruding.
You're in the middle of your retirement ceremony right?
That hasn't been decided....
Prepare the next shoot's lighting.
I'll get right on it.
Huh?
There seems to be something different.
Did you change camera assistants?
Did the old one quit?
As I thought, he didn't have what it took.
But he's smart, he quickly realized his incompetence.
I was once a camera assistant.
The only ones that can ridicule underlings
are those who have been in their position.
You don't have that right.
Hello?
Yeah, I want you to buy again.
Do it so it won't be found out.
Counting on you.
You're doing it in the end.
I'm going all the way.
Assets and connections are a treasure~
I look at you and think you're intent.
I guess so.
Good work today.
Was the shoot today ok?
Finished with no problems.
Thank you very much.
I wanted to be there at MIINA-san's shoot but...
But today isn't the last one right?
Speaking of that Itsuki-kun...
huh?
He didn't come here yesterday?
To greet you.
Greet?
Yesterday was his last day.
He's gone home.
Itsuki-kun...
Can I help with anything?
I'm fine.
I'm sorry....
Some weeks later
Somehow we did it, editor-in-chief.
Really, thank you very much.
Everyone came together huh?
But, why was that?
The other stafff, Shizuka-san, Takumi-san too
everyone... for free...
I don't know about that but
at the time I was contracted from an intern.
Editor-in-chief!
Thank you for contracting me!
Even if it kills me I'll do my best!
In exchange for giving you a chance...
I have one condition.
In the future if FIRST CLASS is ever in a bind
I want you to help.
And if I am not there at that time
I want you to help the current Editor-in-chief.
Use your own judgment
If that editor-in-chief isn't worth it, then you don't have to help.
Yes, I understand.
I promise.
It wasn't only me.
Rumi-san gave everyone the same condition
She gave all the staff a chance and groomed them.
Then Rumi-san
knew that someday, FIRST CLASS would end up like this?
Well, we can't honestly know how much she knew, right?
Rumi-san
This is my relaxing place.
If I see your face I can't relax.
I don't think you have to lower your head.
Besides
You haven't produced results yet.
250,000 copies? Cease of publication?
Current National Sales Report
Sale time two weeks.
175,000 sold in the two weeks it's been on sale.
Achieving 70% of the target amount.
What is the expectation based on the results so far?
The likelihood of editor-in-chief Yoshinari meeting the goal is...
So how are we looking?
As it stands now 175,000 copies.
That so.
That's favorable, right?
Right...
Everyone who thinks, 'I know how this is going to turn out~!'
then I hope you post a spoiler warning.
The current MOUNTING ranking is...
NEXT SATURDAY
THE LAST EPISODE
FIRST CLASS will cease publication.
This drama is fictitious.